Metalist Kharkiv forward Taison has returned to Brazil fearing his dream move to Chelsea is over.

Taison, 24, who can play anywhere across the forward line, has been in London for talks with the European champions over the past few weeks and, after sorting out complicated work permit issues which means he is now free to play on the UK, believed he was close to securing a move.

However, the Daily Mail are reporting that, despite attending a Chelsea game, the move has yet to go through as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has yet to sanction the transfer, with the club haggling over the £11m price tag.

Metalist have set Chelsea a deadline of Wednesday to agree terms as they want the deal sorting out before they return after their winter break.

Yet with Chelsea stalling over the fee, they now face competition from Premier League champions Manchester City who have shown an interest in signing the former Internacional star.